Device for removing and replacing radiator caps



Sept. 27, 1966 K. H. CHAPMAN DEVICE FOR REMOVING AND REPLACING RADIATORCAPS Filed Jan. 11, 1965 KENNETH H. CHAPMAN IN [/5 NT 0/? United StatesPatent 3,274,864 DEVICE FOR REMOVING AND REPLACING RADIATOR CAPS KennethH. Chapman, Bakersfield, Calif, assignor of onehalf to Michael A.Easley, Bakersfield, Calif. Filed Jan. 11, 1965, Ser. No. 424,752 3Claims. (Cl. 81-90) The present invention relates to a device forremoving and replacing radiator caps and more particularly to such adevice which is operable from a position spaced sufficiently from theradiators to insure safe convenient ma nipulation of the caps.

The difficulties and hazards of removing a radiator cap from anover-heated radiator on an automobile are well known. The high pressuredeveloped by the coolant fluid in the radiator is exerted against thecap which tends to resist rotation and removal of the cap from theradiator. It is conventional practice for the operator to grip the cap,while being protected with a cloth, glove, or the like for initialrotation of the cap to a position permitting the high pressure coolantand vapors to be released. However, this frequently causes a jet of thescalding fluid vapor to be directed toward the operator. If completeremoval of the cap is attempted prior to reducing the pressure of thecoolant fluid, the cap may be blown from the operators hand, frequentlycausing injury to the operator or to other adjacent objects.Furthermore, the cap may be lost or inadvertently misplaced whileattending the radiator or during other service operations. Failure toreplace the cap permits subsequent escape of coolant fluid which, ifunobserved, results in serious damage to the engine.

Therefore, it is a broad object of the present invention to provide animproved device for removing and replacing radiator caps.

Another object is to provide such an improved device which enables theoperator thereof to be spaced a safe distance from the radiator duringuse.

Another object is to provide a device for removing and replacingradiator caps which enables the caps to be quickly and easily removedwithout the usual delay experienced with conventional methods and with aminimum of hazard to the operator.

Another object is to provide a device for removing and replacingradiator caps which minimizes loss or misplacement of the caps.

Another object is to provide such a device which affords a visualreminder of prior cap removal so as to insure replacement of the cap.

Another object is to provide a device of the character described whichis capable of retaining a radiator cap in assembly therewith untilreplaced on the radiator.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become morefully apparent upon reference to the drawing and following descriptionin the specification FIG. 1 is a side elevation of the radiator capremoving and replacing device embodying the principles of the presentinvention shown in operating position relative to a radiator cap of anautomobile engine cooling system.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevation of the device of the presentinvention having the handle portion thereof foreshortened forillustrative convenience and showing the radiator cap of FIG. 1 indashed lines.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary front elevation of the head portion ofthe device of the present invention as viewed in the direction of thearrows on line 3--3 of FIG. 2 with the radiator cap removed therefrom.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged bottom plan view of the head portion of the deviceof the present invention as viewed in the direction of the arrows online 44 of FIG. 2 showing the radiator cap in dashed lines.

FIG. 5 is a transverse vertical section through the head portion of thedevice of the present invention taken on line 5--5 of FIG. 2.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 1 of the drawing, a device forremoving and replacing radiator caps employing the principles of thepresent invention, is generally indicated by the reference numeral 10.The cap removing and replacing device is conveniently shown anddescribed in association with an automobile fragmentarily indicated bythe reference numeral 11. The automobile is shown having a hood 12.disposed in raised position to provide access to an engine compartment14. A conventional engine cooling system radiator 16 is disposed withinthe engine compartment and has a removable cap 17 providingdiametrically opposed gripping ears 18.

The radiator cap removing and replacing device 10 of the presentinvention provides a cup-shaped cap-engaging head portion 20. The headincludes an upper wall 22 and an integral depending annular side wall23, providing an annular lower edge 24. The upper and side walls definea cap receiving recess 25 within the head 20. The side wall has a pairof diametrically opposed ear receiving slots 26 individually providingadmitting portions 27 in the lower edge 24 and circumferentiallyextended cap retention or locking portions 28 angularly displacedtherefrom. A cap locking finger 30 is formed in the side Wall of thehead between each of the locking portions 28 of the slots 26 and thelower edge 24. Each of the slots also provides opposite cap driving ends31 and 32 respectively adjacent to the locking and admitting portions.

An elongated tubular handle 35 is provided for manipulating thecap-engaging head 20 of the device 10'. The handle provides anar-cuately curved intermediate portion 36 integrally joined to aflattened end 37. The handle includes an opposite distal end 38 whichmounts a handle gripping member 40 formed of a material such as rubber,plastic, or the like affording a high coeflicient of friction. Theflattened end 37 of the handle is connected to the upper wall 22 of thehead 20 by a pair of spaced rivets 42 and an intermediate rivet 43extended concentrically through the upper wall. The intermediate rivethas a large diameter lower flange 45 disposed within the recess 25 ofthe head.

An elongated compression spring 50 is disposed concentrically within therecess 25 of the head 20. The spring has a lower capengaging end 52 andan opposite upper reduced diameter coiled end 54 captured between theflange 45 and the upper wall 22 of the head to hold the spring in saidconcentric position within the: recess.

Operation The operation of the described embodiment of the subjectinvention is believed to be clearly apparent and is briefly summarizedat this point. The device of the present invention may be best employedfor removing radiator caps from over-heated radiators such asrepresented by the cap 17 and the radiator 16 in FIG. I. The device 10of the present invention is manipulated by grasping the gripping member40 of the handle 35 so that engagement of the head 20* is easily andconveniently accomplished at a safe distance from the radiator. The headis initially positioned in superimposed relation above the cap with theears 18 thereof individually aligned with the ear admitting portions 27of the slots 26. A downward force is then applied by the operatoragainst the handle to lower the side wall 23 of the head incircumscribing relation about the cap.

During such movement, the spring 50 is compressed, as the ears of thecap move relatively upwardly through the admitting portions of theslots. As soon as the ears pass the finger portions 30 the handle isswung in a substantially horizontal direction for rotating the cap in aclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 4. Such rotation of the cap causesrelative movement of the cars 18 into the locking portions 28 of theirrespective slots 26. The spring 50 provides a reaction force tending toeject the cap from the recess 25 of the head 20. However, with the earsdisposed within the locking portions of the slots in the side wall, theears are held against the fingers 30 dependably to hold the cap and headin unitary assembly. This also enables the operator to release thedownward force on the handle previously required to admit the cap intothe recess of the head.

Upon continued rotation of the cap, the cars 18 of the cap 17 engage theends 31 of the slots 26 whereby further horizontal swinging movement ofthe gripping member 40 of the handle 35 is effective to rotate the cap17 relative to its connection with the radiator 16 toward a releasedposition therefrom. Upon release, the cap is dependably constrained inunitary assembly with the head 20 of the device, and any upward movementof the cap from high pressure in the radiator is easily resisted andcontrolled from the gripping member 40 of the handle. Also the capremains in the described unitary assembly during servicing of thecooling system of the automobile, until it is desired to replace the capon the radiator.

The cap 17 is easily replaced in locking position upon the radiator 16by manipulation of the handle gripping member 40 of the handle 35. Afterinitial placement of the cap 17, a downward force is applied by theoperator against the handle ifrictionally to engage the ears 18 of thecap with that portion of the side wall defining the upper edge of theslots 26. The handle is then swung in 'a direction opposite to thedirection described in removing the cap. During the initial portion ofsuch swinging movement of the handle, relative movement between the earsof the cap may occur depending upon the magnitude of the downward forcebeing exerted against the handle. This relative movement, however, isdiscontinued upon engagement of the ears with the ends 32 of the slots26 adjacent to the admitting portions 2'7 thereof. Upon such engagementthe cap is easily rotated during the horizontal swinging movement of thehandle positively to lock the cap in position on the radiator. After thecap is firmly locked in place on the radiator, the downward forceagainst the handle is released so that the spring 50 is effective toactuate the head 20 upwardly to eject the ears .18 through the admittingportions 27 of the slots 26.

In view of the foregoing, it is readily apparent that the presentinvention provides an improved device for removing and replacingradiator caps with a minimum of hazard to the operator. The device iseasily connected to the radiator cap to effect its quick and convenientremoval, while the operator is in a position spaced sufiiciently from aradiator to insure his personal safety. Furthermore, the radiator cap isconstrained in unitary assembly with the device of the present inventionuntil replaced upon the radiator, so as to minimize loss and/ orinadvertent misplacernent of the cap during the period in which it isremoved from the radiator.

Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what isconceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it isrecognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of theinvention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed hereinbut is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace anyand all equivalent devices and apparatus.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secureby Letters Patent is:

1. A device for removing and replacing a cap on a cooling systemradiator with the cap having thermally conductive gripping portionscomprising cap engaging means braving an annular wall adapted to bedisposed in circumscribing relation about the cap, said Wall including apair of opposed circumferentially extended slots to receive saidgripping portions of the cap between a first admitting and ejectingposition with the slots permitting angular movement of the cap engagingmeans relative to the gripping portions of the cap, and a second capretentive position with the cap engaging means angularly displaced fromsaid first position with the wall of said slots in frictional engagementwith the gripping portions of the cap; resilient force means having anend mounted on said cap engaging means and an opposite end for directengagement with said cap to maintain said cap engaging means in saidretentive position relative to the cap; and elongated manipulating meansconnected to the cap engaging means having a distal portion for rotatingthe cap by an operator at a distance insuring safe removal andreplacement of the cap.

2. A device for removing and replacing a cap on a cooling systemradiator with the cap having thermally conductive gripping portionscomprising a cap engaging member having a substantially continuousannular wall adapted to be disposed in circumscribing relation about thecap, said wall including a pair of diametrically opposedcircumferentially extended slots and circumferentially extended fingerspartially closing the slots to provide a first admitting and ejectingposition permitting angular movement of the cap engaging member relativeto the gripping portions of the cap, and a second cap retentive positionwith the cap engaging member angularly displaced from said firstposition and with said gripping portions disposed within said slots infrictional engagement with the fingers of said wall; a resilient forcetransmitting member having an upper end mounted on said cap engagingmember and an opposite lower end for direct engagement with said cap tomaintain said cap engaging means in said retentive position relative tothe cap; and an elongated manipulating member connected to said capengaging member having a distal portion for rotating the cap from aremote position insuring safe removal and replacement of the cap.

3. A device for removing and replacing a cap on a cooling systemradiator with the cap providing thermally conductive opposite earportions comprising a substantially circular cap engaging head having anupper wall and an integral depending substantially continuous annularside wall providing a lower edge with said upper and side walls defininga recess in the head and being adapted to be disposed in circumscribingrelation about the cap, said side wall including a pair of diametricallyopposed circumferentially extended slots and circumfe'rentially extendedfingers coextensive with said lower edge of the side wall partiallyclosing the slots individually providing spaced admitting and lockingportions alter nately to permit entry of the cap into said recess of thehead with said slots receiving said ears of the cap for langularmovement of the head relative to the cap for positioning the ears of thecap in said locking portions of the slots in frictional engagement withadjacent portions of the fingers and the annular side wall; an elongatedcompression spring concentrically disposed within the recess of the headhaving a lower cap engaging end and an opposite upper reduced diameterend; a fastener member extended through said upper wall of the head andproviding a lower flange portion mounting said upper end of the springand an upper head end, said lower end of the spring being directlyengageable with the cap when the cap is positioned within the recess toprovide a retentive force to hold the cap in the recess when the earsare disposed in said locking portions of the 5 6 slots against saidfingers and being effective to eject said References Cited by theExaminer cap from the recess when the ears of the cap are dis- UNITEDSTATES PATENTS posed in said admitting portion of the slots; and anelongated handle having a flattened inner end connected to 2,567,0699/1951 Harley 24--221 the head by the head end of said fastener member,a 5 2,895,363 7/1959 Cox. curved intermediate portion extended upwardlyoutward- 3,007,357 11/1961 Nauey X 1y from said upper Wall of the headin coextensive relation for a portion of its length With said side wallof the 3O35466 5/1962 Baker head for optimum leverage and an oppositemanual grip- 3,080,900 3/1963 Rosenbergping end extended from the headfor rotating said cap at 10 a remote distance insuring safe removal andreplacement WILLIAM FELDMAN Primary Exammer of the cap. G. WEIDENFELD,Assistant Examiner.

1. A DEVICE FOR REMOVING AND REPLACING A CAP ON A COOLING SYSTEMRADIATOR WITH THE CAP HAVING THERMALLY CONDUCTIVE GRIPPING PORTIONSCOMPRISING CAP ENGAGING MEANS HAVING AN ANNULAR WALL ADAPTED TO BEDISPOSED IN CIRCUMSCRIBING RELATION ABOUT THE CAP, SAID WALL INCLUDING APAIR OF OPPOSED CIRCUMFERENTIALLY EXTENDED SLOTS TO RECEIVE SAIDGRIPPING PORTIONS OF THE CAP BETWEEN A FIRST ADMITTING AND EJECTINGPOSITION WITH THE SLOTS PERMITTING ANGULAR MOVEMENT OF THE CAP ENGAGINGMEANS RELATIVE TO THE GRIPPING PORTIONS OF THE CAP, AND A SECOND CAPORETENTIVE POSITION WITH THE CAP ENGAEGING MEANS ANGULARLY DISPLACED FROMSAID FIRST POSITION WITH THE WALL OF SAID SLOTS IN FRICTIONAL ENGAGEMENTWITH THE GRIPPING PORTIONS OF THE CAP; RESILIENT FORCE MEANS HAVING ANEND MOUNTED ON SAID CAP ENGAGING MEANS AND AN OPPOSITE END FOR DIRECTENGAGEMENT WITH SAID CAP TO MAINTAIN SAID CAP ENGAGING MEANS IN SAIDRETENTIVE POSITION RELATIVE TO THE CAP; AND ELONGATED MANIPULATING MEANSCONNECTED TO THE CAP ENGAGING MEANS HAVING A DISTAL PORTION FOR ROTATINGTHE CAP BY AN OPERATOR AT A DISTANCE INSURING SAFE REMOVAL ANDREPLACEMENT OF THE CAP.